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The Kings of Hawthorn #1
Claiming What's His
Ten years ago, I was eighteen and cut off by my family for breaking up with a boy that broke my heart. A boy that I’d been dating for ten years, who just happened to be from one of the most prestigious families in all of New York.
My parents tried to blackmail me into begging him to take me back, but I’d refused, so they chose power and their snobby social circle over me. And I’d been on my own, barely able to survive for the last decade as a result.
But that was all going to change, because I landed the job of a lifetime, and I was finally going to claw my way out of the sewers of New York City and make something of myself.
At least, that had been my grand plan until I walked into my new boss’s office and found out that the alpha billionaire that ran the incredible empire, I’d been so eager to join, was no other than the boy that I never got over.
And not only did the electricity still burn blindingly bright between us, but it turned out I was still incapable of turning him down when he said things like, You’re Mine.
My parents tried to blackmail me into begging him to take me back, but I’d refused, so they chose power and their snobby social circle over me. And I’d been on my own, barely able to survive for the last decade as a result.
But that was all going to change, because I landed the job of a lifetime, and I was finally going to claw my way out of the sewers of New York City and make something of myself.
At least, that had been my grand plan until I walked into my new boss’s office and found out that the alpha billionaire that ran the incredible empire, I’d been so eager to join, was no other than the boy that I never got over.
And not only did the electricity still burn blindingly bright between us, but it turned out I was still incapable of turning him down when he said things like, You’re Mine.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2022
462 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 10, 2022
This book is a dumpster fire. I don't ever read cheating books, and for good reason. However, I saw a comment saying that maybe there was a reason why he cheated...that there were "extenuating circumstances". So I decided to go see for myself. Big mistake. This author is a misogynist, plain and simple. I am disgusted by what I read...go read the quotes I posted if you don't believe me.
Spoilers below, sorry, not sorry.
1. The first chapter 10 years ago, when she catches him in the act of fucking her BEST FRIEND. A graphic scene, something I'm sure really adds to the romance?? That is the only time this heroine shows any spine. She walks away from him...and she should have stayed gone.
2. When they are reunited... She is a PA and he's a CEO if a huge company, a conglomerate... and he doesn't even question mentioning that she's done nothing with her life. He shits all over her accomplishments immediately, what a great guy!!
3. Just how the author wrote these characters.... he cheated, and went on to become a big hot shot. He talks about bending women over his desk in his office almost immediately in his POV chapter. He is a cheater, a pig, just fucking disgusting. Meanwhile, the heroine is a lowly PA, who is having trouble making ends meet. Just the way that they spent those 10 years is enough for me to quit reading a story. Does this author hate women? I think so... let me elaborate.
4. The hero talks about protecting her and giving her a better life. He says, work for me and "you'll actually be doing something worth being proud of". I'm sorry, but are we women that weak? Is this book actually set in the 1800's? WHY DOES SHE NEED PROTECTION? And why is what she accomplished nothing to be proud of? Why did this author take such a shit on this heroine?
5. Their sex scene, that happens immediately when they are reunited... she says no several times... "Get off of me Maverick", "Wait", "We can't", Just during that time, he has dragged her into his office, has silenced her with his kiss, has started to undress her, and put his fingers inside of her. Does she capitulate? Yes. But she immediately regrets her decision after he FINISHES INSIDE OF HER WITHOUT A CONDOM. And so her betraying body syndrome made her do something she didn't want, but the hero also didn't stop when she repeatedly asked him to. WHAT A GREAT GUY, and let's not forget the STDs...since he was also fucking her best friend RAW in that first chapter. What are the chances that this guy even knows what a condom is?
6. He blames her for leaving him in his "time of need". Supposedly her leaving after catching him railing her best friend was just as bad as what he did. She hurt him so much, the poor baby. He doesn't EVER consider her feelings. Oh, and he goes on to date that best friend exclusively. LOL.
7. His "excuse" for cheating ... he lost his twin brother. He was devastated, so broken. He needed to fuck hard, and she rejected him once and he forced himself on her, and he felt soooo terrible the next morning. He decided that he couldn't get his needs met with her anymore, so he CHOSE HER BEST FRIEND. Like, in what world is this forgivable?? I don't care how much grief he was suffering from, he didn't talk to her, he didn't drink himself silly or turn into a drug addict, no...he fucked someone. Because we all know that men can't keep their dicks in their pants, right? They need to let out the anger and hurt by FUCKING SOMEONE HARD.
8. She didn't stay celibate, but clearly wasn't even close to what the hero was. He was a manwhore all the way, not able to count all his conquests.
The sad thing is, I could go on and on about how fucked up this book is. It's full of sexism, misogyny and cringe lines that made me want to throw my phone across the room. And I only read the first four-ish chapters, then skipped around to his explanations and other fun parts that made me want to throw up. I'm going to need to look at cute kittens and puppies to recover from the disgust that this book has me feeling.
Spoilers below, sorry, not sorry.
1. The first chapter 10 years ago, when she catches him in the act of fucking her BEST FRIEND. A graphic scene, something I'm sure really adds to the romance?? That is the only time this heroine shows any spine. She walks away from him...and she should have stayed gone.
2. When they are reunited... She is a PA and he's a CEO if a huge company, a conglomerate... and he doesn't even question mentioning that she's done nothing with her life. He shits all over her accomplishments immediately, what a great guy!!
3. Just how the author wrote these characters.... he cheated, and went on to become a big hot shot. He talks about bending women over his desk in his office almost immediately in his POV chapter. He is a cheater, a pig, just fucking disgusting. Meanwhile, the heroine is a lowly PA, who is having trouble making ends meet. Just the way that they spent those 10 years is enough for me to quit reading a story. Does this author hate women? I think so... let me elaborate.
4. The hero talks about protecting her and giving her a better life. He says, work for me and "you'll actually be doing something worth being proud of". I'm sorry, but are we women that weak? Is this book actually set in the 1800's? WHY DOES SHE NEED PROTECTION? And why is what she accomplished nothing to be proud of? Why did this author take such a shit on this heroine?
5. Their sex scene, that happens immediately when they are reunited... she says no several times... "Get off of me Maverick", "Wait", "We can't", Just during that time, he has dragged her into his office, has silenced her with his kiss, has started to undress her, and put his fingers inside of her. Does she capitulate? Yes. But she immediately regrets her decision after he FINISHES INSIDE OF HER WITHOUT A CONDOM. And so her betraying body syndrome made her do something she didn't want, but the hero also didn't stop when she repeatedly asked him to. WHAT A GREAT GUY, and let's not forget the STDs...since he was also fucking her best friend RAW in that first chapter. What are the chances that this guy even knows what a condom is?
6. He blames her for leaving him in his "time of need". Supposedly her leaving after catching him railing her best friend was just as bad as what he did. She hurt him so much, the poor baby. He doesn't EVER consider her feelings. Oh, and he goes on to date that best friend exclusively. LOL.
7. His "excuse" for cheating ... he lost his twin brother. He was devastated, so broken. He needed to fuck hard, and she rejected him once and he forced himself on her, and he felt soooo terrible the next morning. He decided that he couldn't get his needs met with her anymore, so he CHOSE HER BEST FRIEND. Like, in what world is this forgivable?? I don't care how much grief he was suffering from, he didn't talk to her, he didn't drink himself silly or turn into a drug addict, no...he fucked someone. Because we all know that men can't keep their dicks in their pants, right? They need to let out the anger and hurt by FUCKING SOMEONE HARD.
8. She didn't stay celibate, but clearly wasn't even close to what the hero was. He was a manwhore all the way, not able to count all his conquests.
The sad thing is, I could go on and on about how fucked up this book is. It's full of sexism, misogyny and cringe lines that made me want to throw my phone across the room. And I only read the first four-ish chapters, then skipped around to his explanations and other fun parts that made me want to throw up. I'm going to need to look at cute kittens and puppies to recover from the disgust that this book has me feeling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2022
✅Going in I knew there was cheating.
⛔️Didn’t realise the cheating was “you couldn’t give me the kind of sex I needed so I got it from your best friend. And other ow. But more often with your BFF because she did it better than the others.”
⛔️Didn’t like the on page proof of previous point.
⛔️Didn’t realise he and the bestie didn’t have a mere fling, but were in an “exclusive relationship” after the h left.
⛔️That he didn’t look for her for 10 years but now that she appears quite by coincidence in his life he goes after her like a man possessed. Professing his undying love…um…no… 🧐 you don’t know each other so hth do you love each other🙄
⛔️Didn’t realise he was gonna mess up. Again. Mid “grovel”. Which actually isn’t a grovel, but more of an “I want you so I’ll do what I have to keep you.” <—- which of course doesn’t last long 🤦🏼♀️ hence the mess up. I didn’t see it coming, so kudos for that👍
⛔️Didn’t realise the cheating was “you couldn’t give me the kind of sex I needed so I got it from your best friend. And other ow. But more often with your BFF because she did it better than the others.”
⛔️Didn’t like the on page proof of previous point.
⛔️Didn’t realise he and the bestie didn’t have a mere fling, but were in an “exclusive relationship” after the h left.
⛔️That he didn’t look for her for 10 years but now that she appears quite by coincidence in his life he goes after her like a man possessed. Professing his undying love…um…no… 🧐 you don’t know each other so hth do you love each other🙄
⛔️Didn’t realise he was gonna mess up. Again. Mid “grovel”. Which actually isn’t a grovel, but more of an “I want you so I’ll do what I have to keep you.” <—- which of course doesn’t last long 🤦🏼♀️ hence the mess up. I didn’t see it coming, so kudos for that👍
August 8, 2022
This is really a load of bullshit. He cheats on her with her best friend (I mean who else would he with🤮) and he’s mad at her for leaving him. Lmao 😂 you gotta be kidding me. It’s sad 😔 together for 10years and he does this to her. Maybe something else. First they see each other again they go at it like nothing happened. ☹️
November 21, 2022
2 stars…Not even worth my time. Just H/h sex scene after sex scene. It made all the angsty goodness nonexistent. Seriously. WTF was the point?!?!?
And as for the trigger chicks…
JFC…what is wrong with you bitches????
Every single angst-ho I know understands this is F-I-C-T-I-O-N.
DO YOU????
No one I know online or IRL that reads OR WRITES this shit thinks…I can’t wait for a guy to fuck around on me, I just can’t wait for some guy to take care of me cuz I’m too dumb to do it myself, I can’t wait for some guy to treat me like shit, I can’t wait for some guy to go all 1950’s on me.
Like, for fucking real???
Are you serious with this shit???
If a woman is going to allow that in her life, in today’s society, she isn’t learning it from bad, trashy fiction. And if you’re so impressionable that you’d read this shit and think it’s ok, maybe you should BLAME your parents for being shitty role models, OR maybe you’re just not adult enough for the real world.
THE ONLY ONES MAKING WOMEN WEAK ARE THE ONES TRYING TO CENSOR WHAT WOMEN CAN THINK, READ, WRITE, SAY, OR DO.
You do you, boo. 💋
And I’ll read whatever the fuck I want.
2 stars cuz it turned into porn…but fuck those bitches, I’m leaving a 5.
And as for the trigger chicks…
JFC…what is wrong with you bitches????
Every single angst-ho I know understands this is F-I-C-T-I-O-N.
DO YOU????
No one I know online or IRL that reads OR WRITES this shit thinks…I can’t wait for a guy to fuck around on me, I just can’t wait for some guy to take care of me cuz I’m too dumb to do it myself, I can’t wait for some guy to treat me like shit, I can’t wait for some guy to go all 1950’s on me.
Like, for fucking real???
Are you serious with this shit???
If a woman is going to allow that in her life, in today’s society, she isn’t learning it from bad, trashy fiction. And if you’re so impressionable that you’d read this shit and think it’s ok, maybe you should BLAME your parents for being shitty role models, OR maybe you’re just not adult enough for the real world.
THE ONLY ONES MAKING WOMEN WEAK ARE THE ONES TRYING TO CENSOR WHAT WOMEN CAN THINK, READ, WRITE, SAY, OR DO.
You do you, boo. 💋
And I’ll read whatever the fuck I want.
2 stars cuz it turned into porn…but fuck those bitches, I’m leaving a 5.
avoid
July 29, 2022Self note avoid
Cheating H.
He cheats on the h with her bestfriend.
When they see each other again they go at it like nothing happened. Doormat h.
Cheating H.
He cheats on the h with her bestfriend.
When they see each other again they go at it like nothing happened. Doormat h.
August 8, 2022
The plot is so far fetched that you have to literally pretend it doesn’t exist and use your imagination to create a new one…. Maverick cheats on Cora while grieving over his twin. They are both 18 at the time and have been loving each other since kindergarten. Cora ditches him. Okay that’s realistic enough… then the silly plot goes ridiculous. Cora’s millionaire parents kick her out on the streets to become homeless for 10
Years because she wouldn’t immediately forgive cheating Maverick Jones. 10 more years pass and Cora forgot her bff boyfriend of 10 years last name was Jones and can’t piece together that he owns Jones Holdings a company that owns the tech company she lands a job with…. Btw Cora had multiple Ivy League scholarships and speaks Mandarin Chinese but she can’t put 2 and 2 together. Cora and Maverick are shockingly reunited and then go at it like bunny’s for most of the book. Another problem is that Maverick is a billionaire and never bothered to use his resources to find the love of his life…. Meanwhile she lives in the same city as him. I do like that he’s so OTT crazy in love with her but where was this love the last 10 years? Both mcs blame Cora’s parents for their 10 year separation… hmmm what??? What about the cheating? Anywho Maverick wants revenge on Cora’s whole family for kicking her out and losing 10 years of happiness with her… nevermind that he could have hired someone to find her… I guess he’s dumb too. But wait he’s not the only dumb one… Cora’s family decide to have her sister murder her in the bathroom at a fund raiser —where they publicly threatened her —-so they can collect on a life insurance policy… yeah the police will never figure that one out. Harry Bosch can you believe this????? After the bathroom near murder Maverick decides he can’t risk hurting pregnant Cora—-who he purposefully impregnated think breeding kink—- so he leaves her right then and there on the bathroom floor covered in blood….after she’s had 6 shots fired at her and her sister killed In Front of her. Way to go douche bag. So…For
2 months pregnant and depressed Cora wastes a way to skin and bones…. And then all of a sudden Maverick returns and she immediately forgives him. They have more bunny sex and they get their HEA.
The author needs to watch some criminal minds etc. because this was probably the worst plot I’ve ever read. The characters had potential and she should have just stuck with their love story. It
Was just too hard to suspend your intellect to buy into
The bogus plot.
Years because she wouldn’t immediately forgive cheating Maverick Jones. 10 more years pass and Cora forgot her bff boyfriend of 10 years last name was Jones and can’t piece together that he owns Jones Holdings a company that owns the tech company she lands a job with…. Btw Cora had multiple Ivy League scholarships and speaks Mandarin Chinese but she can’t put 2 and 2 together. Cora and Maverick are shockingly reunited and then go at it like bunny’s for most of the book. Another problem is that Maverick is a billionaire and never bothered to use his resources to find the love of his life…. Meanwhile she lives in the same city as him. I do like that he’s so OTT crazy in love with her but where was this love the last 10 years? Both mcs blame Cora’s parents for their 10 year separation… hmmm what??? What about the cheating? Anywho Maverick wants revenge on Cora’s whole family for kicking her out and losing 10 years of happiness with her… nevermind that he could have hired someone to find her… I guess he’s dumb too. But wait he’s not the only dumb one… Cora’s family decide to have her sister murder her in the bathroom at a fund raiser —where they publicly threatened her —-so they can collect on a life insurance policy… yeah the police will never figure that one out. Harry Bosch can you believe this????? After the bathroom near murder Maverick decides he can’t risk hurting pregnant Cora—-who he purposefully impregnated think breeding kink—- so he leaves her right then and there on the bathroom floor covered in blood….after she’s had 6 shots fired at her and her sister killed In Front of her. Way to go douche bag. So…For
2 months pregnant and depressed Cora wastes a way to skin and bones…. And then all of a sudden Maverick returns and she immediately forgives him. They have more bunny sex and they get their HEA.
The author needs to watch some criminal minds etc. because this was probably the worst plot I’ve ever read. The characters had potential and she should have just stuck with their love story. It
Was just too hard to suspend your intellect to buy into
The bogus plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
Negative million stars for the Property Brothers hero, the heroine, the plot, the numerous and icky sex scenes, and the lack of anything resembling real life.
2 stars for the author's complete and utter dedication to fiction.
Let me count the ways:
H cheats on heroine. Ten years later he still blames her for leaving him. Hey, kids make mistakes, okay. She should have hung in and forgiven him.
Heroine is kicked out by her parents the same night for having some pride. Well, she had some pride then. When H finds out, he then blames her parents for the loss of ten years. Self reflection is not a thing with this guy since cheating with h's best friend and getting caught in the act doesn't seem to factor in on why his blow up doll went missing for ten years.
H and h have sex about ten minutes after they meet again. The first of many icky, sticky hookups.
Heroine saves the day with her high school Mandarin during a meeting. "Saving the day" being a billion dollar meeting.
H and h have sex where one go his partners can both hear and see them. The H melts down later over jealousy.
Heroine is a Perils of Pauline kind of girl. In the course of one book, she's mugged, assaulted by a store manager for supposed theft, almost run down by a truck full of pig iron, and Glad she didn't have a dog.
H goes after the h's evil family which was pretty entertaining.
There's more, but I'm tired.
2 stars for the author's complete and utter dedication to fiction.
Let me count the ways:
H cheats on heroine. Ten years later he still blames her for leaving him. Hey, kids make mistakes, okay. She should have hung in and forgiven him.
Heroine is kicked out by her parents the same night for having some pride. Well, she had some pride then. When H finds out, he then blames her parents for the loss of ten years. Self reflection is not a thing with this guy since cheating with h's best friend and getting caught in the act doesn't seem to factor in on why his blow up doll went missing for ten years.
H and h have sex about ten minutes after they meet again. The first of many icky, sticky hookups.
Heroine saves the day with her high school Mandarin during a meeting. "Saving the day" being a billion dollar meeting.
H and h have sex where one go his partners can both hear and see them. The H melts down later over jealousy.
Heroine is a Perils of Pauline kind of girl. In the course of one book, she's mugged, assaulted by a store manager for supposed theft, almost run down by a truck full of pig iron, and Glad she didn't have a dog.
H goes after the h's evil family which was pretty entertaining.
There's more, but I'm tired.
August 1, 2022
How dare her parents cost them 10 years of happiness!!
How dare she abandon him after she caught him literally screwing her BFF!
How dare she break his heart!
Doesn't she realize he's a victim too?!!
I mean it obviously wasn't his fault, he may of cheated with her best friend but she was gonna forgive him, he just knew it!
2 this Zero needs a serious reality check stars🙄
How dare she abandon him after she caught him literally screwing her BFF!
How dare she break his heart!
Doesn't she realize he's a victim too?!!
I mean it obviously wasn't his fault, he may of cheated with her best friend but she was gonna forgive him, he just knew it!
2 this Zero needs a serious reality check stars🙄
August 4, 2022
i always finish books, but this was a struggle. i could not get over the glaring misogyny and the way the fmc was just portrayed to be so…weak?? it was a toxic relationship. the one redeeming character was one of the side characters and then we get a glimpse of him in the preview for the next book set from his pov and i am genuinely concerned about homophobic comments that might be made in the book, considering some of the comments in this book that had me physically cringing.
trigger warnings for this book: nonconsensual situations, aversion to birth control, controlling (past the point of possessive), cheating
trigger warnings for this book: nonconsensual situations, aversion to birth control, controlling (past the point of possessive), cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
This could have been so much better
There's missing words in sentences, unfinished words, as well as spelling errors. Everyone makes mistakes though right?
So now for the story. It started great u until the following chapter. Cora has no backbone whatsoever. As soon as she sees Mav and they finish the meeting she has sex with him in his office. Like nothing happened... He destroyed her 10 years previous cheated on her. Then her family disowned her and what she jumps on his uh um like nothing happens.
So as that happens you get very little talking and A LOT OF SMEX times to the point I was skipping chapters at a time. That's bad! The best part of the book is at the brothers Memorial party.
Mav then leaves her for 2 months because he doesn't want her hurt because of him. HELLO! Now she's all along again even though their married, he broke his vows by not standing by her. But what happens??????
You guessed it SMEX again hey that's the cure all. No words and she goes back to our house The End.
There's missing words in sentences, unfinished words, as well as spelling errors. Everyone makes mistakes though right?
So now for the story. It started great u until the following chapter. Cora has no backbone whatsoever. As soon as she sees Mav and they finish the meeting she has sex with him in his office. Like nothing happened... He destroyed her 10 years previous cheated on her. Then her family disowned her and what she jumps on his uh um like nothing happens.
So as that happens you get very little talking and A LOT OF SMEX times to the point I was skipping chapters at a time. That's bad! The best part of the book is at the brothers Memorial party.
Mav then leaves her for 2 months because he doesn't want her hurt because of him. HELLO! Now she's all along again even though their married, he broke his vows by not standing by her. But what happens??????
You guessed it SMEX again hey that's the cure all. No words and she goes back to our house The End.
August 24, 2022
I hate writing poor reviews, but what I hate more is a cheater.
The book starts off with the mmc cheating on the FMC (after TEN YEARS together) with her best friend & him begging for another chance. It was also made obvious that this wasn’t a one time thing, he had cheated multiple times already.
Fast forward ten years and, of course, the MMC is a billionaire CEO while the FMC is hardly making ends meet. She goes for a job interview & after a few non important details, sees the MMC again. The kicker? HE is mad at HER for leaving (excuse me, what?).
Insert a lot of filler & voila! They’re back together, she forgives him after zero groveling. Which makes no sense considering she was apparently kicked out, disowned, homeless & hungry since they separated but that’s apparently all good now? Okay then.
The couple solve their issues with one thing..sex. They hardly ever have a meaningful conversation & when they do the FMC caves like a doormat every time even when she isn’t in the wrong just to appease MMC. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spicy book, but if you’re going to create such a heavy dynamic then leave it so empty, why bother?
Fast forward to the near end. Couple is married & expecting. MMC is super excited. Then at a fundraiser, FMCs family tries to have her killed & instead of being a man about it, MMC decides he needs to leave to keep the FMC and their baby safe. AND WALKS AWAY FOR TWO MONTHS!!
We then see FMC struggling, not eating, and all out avoiding life. MMC misses the first ultrasound and everything. So how do they get past it once he realizes he screwed up? You guessed it, sex. Homeboy literally walks into her apartment in the middle of the night AFTER TWO MONTHS OF NO CONTACT OR COMMUNICATION and she asks for sex?
Bottom line, the MMC was a total tool and the FMC was a total doormat. This book didn’t leave me feeling good, it left me angry & disgusted.
The book starts off with the mmc cheating on the FMC (after TEN YEARS together) with her best friend & him begging for another chance. It was also made obvious that this wasn’t a one time thing, he had cheated multiple times already.
Fast forward ten years and, of course, the MMC is a billionaire CEO while the FMC is hardly making ends meet. She goes for a job interview & after a few non important details, sees the MMC again. The kicker? HE is mad at HER for leaving (excuse me, what?).
Insert a lot of filler & voila! They’re back together, she forgives him after zero groveling. Which makes no sense considering she was apparently kicked out, disowned, homeless & hungry since they separated but that’s apparently all good now? Okay then.
The couple solve their issues with one thing..sex. They hardly ever have a meaningful conversation & when they do the FMC caves like a doormat every time even when she isn’t in the wrong just to appease MMC. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spicy book, but if you’re going to create such a heavy dynamic then leave it so empty, why bother?
Fast forward to the near end. Couple is married & expecting. MMC is super excited. Then at a fundraiser, FMCs family tries to have her killed & instead of being a man about it, MMC decides he needs to leave to keep the FMC and their baby safe. AND WALKS AWAY FOR TWO MONTHS!!
We then see FMC struggling, not eating, and all out avoiding life. MMC misses the first ultrasound and everything. So how do they get past it once he realizes he screwed up? You guessed it, sex. Homeboy literally walks into her apartment in the middle of the night AFTER TWO MONTHS OF NO CONTACT OR COMMUNICATION and she asks for sex?
Bottom line, the MMC was a total tool and the FMC was a total doormat. This book didn’t leave me feeling good, it left me angry & disgusted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2024
I'm glad I read this series out of order and started with the book because this one just didn't do it for me and I'm not sure I would have continued with the series had I read this first. The premise was okay enough but there was zero groveling for literally anything and Cora and Maverick jumped back into a relationship way too fast for my liking. It made the last 60% of the book feel like nothing but filling or an overly extended epilogue and I quite honestly skimmed it just to finish.
November 7, 2024
I adored this book. It's a second chance romance of a couple that were childhood sweethearts that should never have been apart. However Mav messed up badly I don't think personally I would have been able to forgive him but once you read his reasoning on why he did it however wrong it still was I understand. This is a fast burn novel filled with lots of spice and plenty of steam, some very sweet moments, a stubborn h and a very jealous and possessive man. Cora and Mav were literally made for one another no matter what they've gone through they love each other completely even after a decade away from one another their love for one another remained. I loved Dexter and Reid I cannot wait to read their books, even if Dexter's isn't something I usually read romance wise I just loved him so much and need more. I also can't wait to see all these characters return in the next book. Whenever I read a book by A.M McCoy I am always gripped in the first few pages and as always she did not fail me this time an amazing story with incredible characters and I can't wait to read more of her work in the future.
July 27, 2022
Claiming What’s His was a sweet, spicy and very sexy second chance romance. Maverick Jones is an OTT alpha billionaire who longs for a lost love and will do anything to keep her once she’s back in his arms. This man has a mouth on him and he certainly knows how to use it.
Cora Valentine lost everything when she stood up for herself and her integrity 10 years ago, and she’s had to fight and claw her way though life to get anywhere since. She’s smart, strong and snappy. She knows her worth and takes nothing less.
Together for years and then separated for 10, these two make up for lost time and then some. This was fun and highly enjoyable read. AM McCoy knows how to write steamy, sexy stories and this was no exception
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cora Valentine lost everything when she stood up for herself and her integrity 10 years ago, and she’s had to fight and claw her way though life to get anywhere since. She’s smart, strong and snappy. She knows her worth and takes nothing less.
Together for years and then separated for 10, these two make up for lost time and then some. This was fun and highly enjoyable read. AM McCoy knows how to write steamy, sexy stories and this was no exception
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 17, 2024
4.75!
I definitely need to get this in a physical.
I think the only reason it wasn’t a full five star read for me is because there wasn’t enough angst when it came to the cheating for me.
Other than that, it was heartening, and there were some very gut wrenching experiences during the plot, and I really did like most of the justice that was served.
I definitely need to get this in a physical.
I think the only reason it wasn’t a full five star read for me is because there wasn’t enough angst when it came to the cheating for me.
Other than that, it was heartening, and there were some very gut wrenching experiences during the plot, and I really did like most of the justice that was served.
May 23, 2025
3.25⭐️
August 1, 2022
@A.M. McCoy really came out with the feels right off the hop in this one. I have never been disappointed reading one of their books and Claiming What's His was no exception! To be honest, this was the first second chance book I have read and I wasn't sure how I would like it. I feel as though the way Cora & Mav handled it was well done and can see myself reading more of this trope if handled in a similar way.
July 27, 2022
Note: I received this as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Start to finish, one of the steamiest books I have ever read. It is definitely a second chance romance after cheating, but it happens at the very beginning when they're teens so it didn't give me the ick cheating normally would. The reconnection of the characters after years apart has their chemistry off the charts. It really is a great feel good romance and constant reaffirming how deeply in love the characters are. I really enjoyed the entire book and would recommend it to anyone just wanting a feel good story that you can't put down. Cora and Maverick are insatiable when it comes to each other!
Start to finish, one of the steamiest books I have ever read. It is definitely a second chance romance after cheating, but it happens at the very beginning when they're teens so it didn't give me the ick cheating normally would. The reconnection of the characters after years apart has their chemistry off the charts. It really is a great feel good romance and constant reaffirming how deeply in love the characters are. I really enjoyed the entire book and would recommend it to anyone just wanting a feel good story that you can't put down. Cora and Maverick are insatiable when it comes to each other!
July 27, 2022
This book was explosive!! Wow!! Maverick and Cora have a second chance at love and their relationship and they are all in from the beginning. While they have some rocky moments and I got super frustrated with Mav towards the end, I loved that he supported Cora when she returned to him. This was also the spiciest book I’ve read in a while, the dirty talk, while I’m not a huge fan, was incredibly well done. Loved this and can’t wait for the next!!
July 28, 2022
I could not put the book down! Cora and Mav’s story pulled at my heart strings and honestly kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, let alone the spice was too freaking notch!!!! This was my first book by A.M. McCoy and I am in love! I cant not wait to read the second book in this series and see the characters develop!
July 31, 2022
Well ummmmm what can I say. I don’t feel anything I write will cover how good this book was. I couldn’t put it down.. I loved it so much!!
July 28, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and it captivated me from the first page. This book was steamy, spicy, and hit all the good spots! This usually isn’t my trope but I got into the story quickly and became consumed!
July 27, 2022
When I tell you I devoured this book in like 5 hours! It was so fast paced, fun, emotional, and spicy! I loved Cora and Maverick!! Cannot wait until the next book!!
July 28, 2022
Woow.
August 15, 2022
I loved this so much! Mav is such a possessive, controlling asshole who is determined to get back the only person he ever loved and Cora is a strong, determined, sassy as hell woman who wants nothing more then to succeed and do it with handouts. The chemistry is amazing between the two of them, the banter, the stubbornness, the passion. The fire between them leaves you needing a fan cause once that man sets his sights on the prize, he does not quit. (So there is lots of smexy time 🤌)
September 2, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars
Things I know when reading A.M. McCoy's books
1. I will not come up for air until I finish
2. The spice is "bring me a fire extinguisher" hot
3. Sweet moments
4. She will add another book boyfriend to my never ending list
What I didn't expect though was to be hit right in the
feelings when I opened this book.
Did I have a moment of tearing up? yes, yes I did.
Was it worth it? Yes, yes it was.
A spicy second chance romance where the characters will leave you in tears, laughing out loud, and having you trying to get in a freezer to cool down.
Maverick is the sexy grumpy alpha billionaire who hides in his work.
Cora is the sassy, sweet, intelligent woman trying to achieve something out of life.
Both still fighting with a past that left them broken 10 years ago.
Their life was planned out from a young age.
Childhood crushes to High school sweethearts.
They had goals they planned to achieve together.
But one traumatic incident led to bad decisions
that set their lives on a different path.
"I'd waited ten years to hear her say those words to me, but now
that I had them I couldn't help but feel guilty instead of validated."
EDITED TO ADD: PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGERS LOCATED IN THE FIRST FEW PAGES OF THE BOOK. THERE IS A DETAILED LIST SO YOU DON'T WALK INTO THE STORY UNPREPARED!
Things I know when reading A.M. McCoy's books
1. I will not come up for air until I finish
2. The spice is "bring me a fire extinguisher" hot
3. Sweet moments
4. She will add another book boyfriend to my never ending list
What I didn't expect though was to be hit right in the
feelings when I opened this book.
Did I have a moment of tearing up? yes, yes I did.
Was it worth it? Yes, yes it was.
A spicy second chance romance where the characters will leave you in tears, laughing out loud, and having you trying to get in a freezer to cool down.
Maverick is the sexy grumpy alpha billionaire who hides in his work.
Cora is the sassy, sweet, intelligent woman trying to achieve something out of life.
Both still fighting with a past that left them broken 10 years ago.
Their life was planned out from a young age.
Childhood crushes to High school sweethearts.
They had goals they planned to achieve together.
But one traumatic incident led to bad decisions
that set their lives on a different path.
"I'd waited ten years to hear her say those words to me, but now
that I had them I couldn't help but feel guilty instead of validated."
EDITED TO ADD: PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGERS LOCATED IN THE FIRST FEW PAGES OF THE BOOK. THERE IS A DETAILED LIST SO YOU DON'T WALK INTO THE STORY UNPREPARED!
October 6, 2022
Good book. Childhood sweethearts. I like cheating tropes but if you don’t, I suggest skipping this book. Sex with ow is on page and h sees it. He cheats after graduation, after his twin bros death. She ends up working for his company 10 yrs later. The book had great sex scenes, but too many, causing it to be unnecessarily long. I liked their friends. Her family is evil and tries to kill her for insurance money. They have some more obstacles and heartbreak but work everything out.
I’m also liked that the author didn’t make the h celibate her years away from H. A lot of authors do that and it pisses me off.
I’m also liked that the author didn’t make the h celibate her years away from H. A lot of authors do that and it pisses me off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
This is the first book I have read by A.M. McCoy and I could not put it down. Right from the start I was pulled into Cora and Mav's story. I started off hating Mav but as I read further I was captivated. Second chance romance with top notch spicy scenes. LOVED. I can not wait for the next book to see the rest of the characters develop.
never
August 29, 2022I was forced to create another shelf, because for some writers cheating H is not enough, and silly me thought cheating is cheating no matter what. It ISN'T. Well justified cheating could be excused in some rare cases, but guy who sleeps with you BFF? NEVER! At least do some justice to the readers, and don't call this romance, tragedy would be more fitting...
May 22, 2025
Mav (Maverick Jones) et Cora Lynn Valentine
Milliardaire alpha/Propriétaire de Jones Holding et assistante personnelle de Halo
Jones Holding et Halo (Hawthorn Tower)
Patron et employée
Jhon (meilleur ami d'enfance de Mav)
Christopher et Marsha Jones (parents de Mav)
Sarah Washington (ancienne meilleure amie de Cora)
Natc(réceptionniste de l'entreprise)
Reid Haskins (directeur financier)
Dexter Chase (avocat du propriétaire)
Sebastian Wallace (responsable des ressources humaines)
Peterson (propriétaire de Halo)
Intéressant mais tellement de drapeau rouge que c'est énervant.
L'histoire en soi aurait pu être intéressante mais le pardon arrive beaucoup trop rapidement.
La plume manque de stabilité, je n'arrive pas à comprendre leur personnalité.
.
Les deux personnages étaient très immatures. Dix ans après sa trahison, ils font l'amour dans son bureau. Ils parlent, crient et se répondent comme s'ils étaient encore adolescents
Histoire décevante, car elle lui a pardonné de l'avoir abandonnée deux fois et de l'avoir trompée malgré sa promesse de ne plus le faire.
Le complot visant à se venger de ses parents était absurde, les accusant de la rupture plutôt que de tromperie et de promiscuité.
En résumé, un livre très frustrant à lire.
.
Beaucoup trop de scènes de sexes
Beaucoup de longueur pour rien de trop fou.
📖
Il y a dix ans, j'avais dix-huit ans et ma famille m'avait renvoyée pour avoir rompu avec un garçon qui m'avait brisé le cœur. Un garçon avec qui je sortais depuis dix ans, qui, par hasard, était issu d'une des familles les plus prestigieuses de New York.
Mes parents ont essayé de me faire chanter pour que je le supplie de me reprendre, mais j'ai refusé ; ils ont donc préféré le pouvoir et leur cercle social snob à moi. J'étais donc seule, à peine capable de survivre pendant la dernière décennie.
Mais tout allait changer, car j'avais décroché le job de ma vie et j'allais enfin m'extirper des égouts new-yorkais et réussir ma vie.
Du moins, c'était mon grand projet jusqu'à ce que j'entre dans le bureau de mon nouveau patron et découvre que le milliardaire alpha qui dirigeait l'incroyable empire que j'avais tant hâte de rejoindre n'était autre que le garçon dont je n'avais jamais pu me remettre.
Et non seulement l'électricité brûlait toujours de façon aveuglante entre nous, mais il s'est avéré que j'étais toujours incapable de le repousser quand il disait des choses comme : « Tu es à moi ».
📚
🖋
Nous étions les meilleurs amis du monde depuis la maternelle, lorsque Maverick a poussé JJ Lane de la balançoire parce qu'il m'avait fait trébucher pour y arriver en premier pendant la récréation.
Après ça, on était comme deux gouttes d'eau. Il avait toujours été un grand garçon, grand, costaud et intimidant, avec une fortune et un pouvoir incroyables venant de ses parents, ce qui le rendait intouchable, même jeune. Et depuis, il m'avait accueillie dans son monde et me protégeait. Il m'avait embrassée sur la joue sur cette même balançoire deux ans plus tard et m'avait demandée en mariage. Il m'avait offert une bague pop et tout.
Nous l'avons officialisé et depuis, nous sommes inséparables.
Ou du moins, c'était le cas jusqu'à ce que son frère jumeau soit tué par un chauffard ivre il y a deux mois et que son monde s'effondre. Ces dernières semaines, je sentais que nous nous éloignions l'un de l'autre et, au fond de moi, je savais que cette nuit approchait. Je m'accrochais à lui plus longtemps quand je l'avais, et de moins en moins, car son cœur brisé l'empêchait de m'aimer comme avant. Il me tenait à distance, comme s'il craignait que sa propre douleur et sa rage ne déteignent sur moi.
Mon cœur se serrait à chaque porte de chambre que je croisais, incapable de tourner une seule poignée jusqu'à ce que, devant la dernière porte du couloir, je sente une larme couler sur ma joue. Je l'essuyai rapidement et regardai autour de moi pour m'assurer que personne ne me voyait pleurer.
Je ne voulais pas que quiconque soit témoin de ma destruction.
J'entendis quelque chose à l'intérieur de la pièce et me figeai, retenant mon souffle pour mieux entendre. J'appuyai mon oreille contre la porte, mais je n'entendis rien. Alors je me forçai à tourner doucement la poignée et à pousser la porte.
« Je parie que je suis bien meilleure qu’elle. »
Je reconnaîtrais cette voix n'importe où, avant même que mes yeux ne s'habituent à la faible luminosité de la chambre principale de ce manoir ; je savais qui c'était. C'était Sarah, ma meilleure amie.
Cela ne pouvait pas arriver.
« Tais-toi. » répondit Maverick. Je pouvais dire, sans même voir son visage, qu'il serrait les dents pendant qu'il parlait.
« Avoue-le, je me sens mieux sur ta bite que sur Cora. Sinon, pourquoi reviendrais-tu me baiser comme ça, brutalement et avec appétit ? » Une rage bouillonnante m'envahit en entrant dans la pièce et en voyant le dos de Mav. Il tenait Sarah dans ses bras, coincée entre lui et le mur, son pantalon baissé sur ses cuisses, tandis qu'il la pénétrait. Ses jambes étaient enroulées autour de ses hanches et ses ongles rouge sang griffaient son dos nu et musclé pendant qu'il la baisait.
« J'ai dit tais-toi, sinon je vais trouver quelqu'un d'autre à baiser. » Il a juré. Une partie de mon cœur s'est brisée dans ma poitrine comme jamais auparavant. J'avais l'impression qu'une partie de moi-même se brisait, même si je restais immobile et savais que j'étais toujours intacte.
Sarah ouvrit les yeux et son regard ivre et trouble se fixa sur moi par-dessus son épaule. Un sourire sinistre étira ses lèvres tandis que mon petit ami, avec qui je partageais plus de dix ans, la plaquait contre le mur. « Viens tout en moi, ma belle. Tu sais comme j'aime ça. » Elle ronronna à son oreille, et il grogna. Je le regardai faire avec horreur. Ses hanches se contractèrent violemment pendant quelques secondes avant qu'il ne s'immobilise et n'appuie son front contre le mur pour reprendre son souffle.
Il recula et laissa Sarah s'écrouler sur ses pieds, avec une froideur et une indifférence qui ne lui étaient pas familières. Lorsqu'il remonta son short et le boutonna, il vit qu'elle fixait toujours son visage avec ce sourire malicieux et il se tourna pour regarder par-dessus son épaule vers la porte.
À la seconde où ses yeux bleus se sont posés sur les miens, j'ai su que je ne serais plus jamais la même.
Voir la personne que vous aimez plus que votre propre vie détruire votre cœur si inconsidérément a eu un effet néfaste sur votre âme. La douleur n'était plus physique, car elle était plus profonde.
« Cora », murmura-t-il en faisant un pas vers moi, mais je secouai la tête tandis que d'autres larmes coulaient sur mes cils.
« Ne fais pas ça », lui ai-je répondu.
La douleur sur son visage ressemblait à celle qu'il m'avait adressée lorsque nous avions entendu son père nous annoncer la mort de son frère Luke dans cet accident. Cette nuit-là, il avait été anéanti, et je reconnaissais sa douleur maintenant, car je la ressentais au plus profond de mon cœur.
« Eh bien, il était temps qu'elle le découvre », dit Sarah avec un ricanement que je ne lui avais jamais vu viser que ses ennemis.
« Ferme ta gueule », ordonna Mav en s'avançant à nouveau vers moi.
Je me suis retournée et j'ai lentement quitté la pièce pour me diriger vers l'escalier, tandis que mon monde s'écroulait autour de moi. Je n'ai pas couru, car je savais qu'il me poursuivrait et que ça ferait une scène, ce qui était bien la dernière chose dont sa famille avait besoin en ce moment. Je l'ai senti me suivre tandis que je quittais la fête, silencieux mais tout près de moi, comme il le faisait toujours lorsqu'il me protégeait des perdants ivres lors de soirées endiablées comme celle-ci.
Mais je n’avais jamais pensé avoir besoin de sa protection auparavant.
On nous a interpellés dès que nous sommes sortis, mais nous avons ignoré tout le monde. J'ai sorti mes clés de ma poche et j'ai descendu le trottoir en direction de ma voiture.
« S’il te plaît, attends », dit-il en posant sa main sur mon bras.
J'ai arraché mon bras de sa main et de la brûlure que sa peau m'avait laissée en m'arrêtant de marcher. « S'il te plaît, ne me touche pas », ai-je supplié, au bord de la panique.
« Je suis tellement désolé, Cora. » Ses yeux tristes essayaient de me faire le regarder, mais je n'y arrivais pas. Je ne voulais pas me souvenir de lui comme ça.
« Je peux y aller maintenant ? » demandai-je en portant mes doigts à mes lèvres pour ne pas crier de douleur.
« Laisse-moi t'expliquer. Laisse-moi arranger les choses, ma belle. Je suis vraiment désolée. Elle ne voulait rien dire ; c'était juste une erreur. »
« Je ne veux plus rien savoir, Mav », dis-je en secouant la tête et en reculant encore. « S'il te plaît, laisse-moi partir. »
« Laisse-moi te ramener chez toi. J'ai besoin d'être avec toi tout de suite. S'il te plaît. » supplia-t-il d'une voix étranglée qui finit par attirer mon regard vers le sien.
J'ai secoué la tête. « Tu aurais pu être avec moi plus tôt, Maverick ! Mais tu as menti en disant que tu voulais être seul. Ce n'était que le mensonge d'un tricheur égoïste pour obtenir ce qu'il voulait vraiment, c'est-à-dire pas moi. Je ne veux rien savoir de plus. Je ne veux plus entendre un mot de ce que tu as fait ni avec qui. Ce que je sais déjà est trop, je ne survivrai plus. »
Ses yeux étaient hagards tandis qu'il essayait désespérément de me raisonner. C'était la première fois depuis des mois que je voyais une véritable émotion dans ses yeux, et ça m'a détruite. « D'accord. Alors je ne parlerai pas, mais laisse-moi être près de toi ! Laisse-moi te raccompagner, tu es trop bouleversée pour conduire. Je resterai avec toi ; je dormirai par terre et demain, on pourra peut-être parler, et je pourrai m'excuser. Je peux arranger ça si tu me laisses faire. Je ne regarderai jamais personne d'autre, je ne sais même pas pourquoi j'ai fait ça. Je n'ai toujours vu que toi, je suis désolé de t'avoir trompée, Cora, tu sais à quel point je suis défoncé ! Je suis juste défoncé ! »
« J'en ai fini, Mav. » murmurai-je en reculant d'un pas. La douleur me déchirait la poitrine et je posai la paume à plat sur mon sternum pour tenter de la calmer. J'étais à deux doigts de tout perdre, mais je n'y arrivais pas.
Je ne pouvais laisser personne me voir me briser. La Saint-Valentin ne se brisait pas en public.
« Non ! » aboya-t-il en s'avançant vers moi et en me serrant contre lui. « Non, ne dis pas ça ! Je suis complètement défoncé, je suis dans la tourmente et je suis désolé. Tu mérites tellement mieux que ça, je le sais. Je ne savais juste pas comment gérer ça, et j'ai merdé ! S'il te plaît, aide-moi, Cora. J'ai besoin de ton aide. »
« Je ne peux pas », murmurai-je en secouant la tête. « Je me suis donnée à toi pendant dix ans et ces deux derniers mois, je t'ai vue te détruire, et maintenant tu nous as détruits. Et je ne peux pas rester plus longtemps, sinon tu me détruiras aussi. Je dois partir tant que je le peux encore. »
« S'il te plaît, bébé », supplia-t-il en se penchant et en posant son front sur le mien.
Je l'ai repoussé, sentant son odeur sur sa peau, tandis qu'un sanglot me quittait la poitrine. « Je t'aime, Maverick. Mais je dois trouver un moyen de m'aimer davantage. »
« Je t'aime plus que moi-même, Cora ! Je le comprends maintenant, s'il te plaît, donne-moi une chance. J'ai fait ça pour te protéger de moi ! De cette douleur ! Dix ans doivent signifier quelque chose pour toi, ils doivent te prouver que je mérite une seconde chance. »
« Me protéger ? » hurlai-je. « Je ne veux plus jamais ressentir ça, Maverick. » Des larmes coulaient sur mon visage tandis que je secouais la tête d'avant en arrière, serrant mes clés comme une bouée de sauvetage. « Et si je reste, tu me le feras encore. Je sais que ce n'était pas la première fois que tu le faisais et je suis sûre qu'elle n'est pas la seule avec qui tu l'as fait. Je ne peux pas rivaliser avec eux, car on n'est plus sur un pied d'égalité. Je n'ai été qu'avec toi. Tu étais censé être mon unique partenaire. »
« Je suis ton unique. S'il te plaît, ne fais pas ça. » Sa voix n'était qu'un murmure tandis que des larmes coulaient de ses cils.
Mais j'ai reculé d'un pas, puis d'un autre. « Plus maintenant. Avant, je me sentais en sécurité dans tes bras, je ne pouvais m'endormir paisiblement que lorsque tu me tenais dans mes bras et j'avais mal pour toi quand nous étions séparés, mais ce n'était plus pareil pour toi. Tu n'as jamais eu besoin de moi comme j'avais besoin de toi ! Tu n'as jamais survécu simplement parce que j'ai survécu, comme je le fais avec toi chaque jour. » Ma voix était si détachée qu'elle ne me ressemblait pas du tout tandis que je me sectionnais une partie du corps en plein milieu de la rue et m'éloignais. « Rentre chez toi en un seul morceau. Ta mère ne survivra pas à l'enterrement d'un autre fils. » Je me suis retournée et me suis éloignée de lui en direction de ma voiture. Je suis montée à bord et j'ai verrouillé la portière, me forçant à m'engager dans la rue, loin de lui, là où il se tenait sur le trottoir, immobile, s'effondrant.
En m'éloignant, j'ai regardé dans mon rétroviseur et je l'ai vu rapetisser à mesure que je quittais sa vie. Ses épaules étaient affaissées et sa forte personnalité était brisée intérieurement.
Tout comme mon âme.
Je n’allais plus jamais être la même.
Et il le ferait aussi.
🖋
Milliardaire alpha/Propriétaire de Jones Holding et assistante personnelle de Halo
Jones Holding et Halo (Hawthorn Tower)
Patron et employée
Jhon (meilleur ami d'enfance de Mav)
Christopher et Marsha Jones (parents de Mav)
Sarah Washington (ancienne meilleure amie de Cora)
Natc(réceptionniste de l'entreprise)
Reid Haskins (directeur financier)
Dexter Chase (avocat du propriétaire)
Sebastian Wallace (responsable des ressources humaines)
Peterson (propriétaire de Halo)
Intéressant mais tellement de drapeau rouge que c'est énervant.
L'histoire en soi aurait pu être intéressante mais le pardon arrive beaucoup trop rapidement.
La plume manque de stabilité, je n'arrive pas à comprendre leur personnalité.
.
Les deux personnages étaient très immatures. Dix ans après sa trahison, ils font l'amour dans son bureau. Ils parlent, crient et se répondent comme s'ils étaient encore adolescents
Histoire décevante, car elle lui a pardonné de l'avoir abandonnée deux fois et de l'avoir trompée malgré sa promesse de ne plus le faire.
Le complot visant à se venger de ses parents était absurde, les accusant de la rupture plutôt que de tromperie et de promiscuité.
En résumé, un livre très frustrant à lire.
.
Beaucoup trop de scènes de sexes
Beaucoup de longueur pour rien de trop fou.
📖
Il y a dix ans, j'avais dix-huit ans et ma famille m'avait renvoyée pour avoir rompu avec un garçon qui m'avait brisé le cœur. Un garçon avec qui je sortais depuis dix ans, qui, par hasard, était issu d'une des familles les plus prestigieuses de New York.
Mes parents ont essayé de me faire chanter pour que je le supplie de me reprendre, mais j'ai refusé ; ils ont donc préféré le pouvoir et leur cercle social snob à moi. J'étais donc seule, à peine capable de survivre pendant la dernière décennie.
Mais tout allait changer, car j'avais décroché le job de ma vie et j'allais enfin m'extirper des égouts new-yorkais et réussir ma vie.
Du moins, c'était mon grand projet jusqu'à ce que j'entre dans le bureau de mon nouveau patron et découvre que le milliardaire alpha qui dirigeait l'incroyable empire que j'avais tant hâte de rejoindre n'était autre que le garçon dont je n'avais jamais pu me remettre.
Et non seulement l'électricité brûlait toujours de façon aveuglante entre nous, mais il s'est avéré que j'étais toujours incapable de le repousser quand il disait des choses comme : « Tu es à moi ».
📚
🖋
Nous étions les meilleurs amis du monde depuis la maternelle, lorsque Maverick a poussé JJ Lane de la balançoire parce qu'il m'avait fait trébucher pour y arriver en premier pendant la récréation.
Après ça, on était comme deux gouttes d'eau. Il avait toujours été un grand garçon, grand, costaud et intimidant, avec une fortune et un pouvoir incroyables venant de ses parents, ce qui le rendait intouchable, même jeune. Et depuis, il m'avait accueillie dans son monde et me protégeait. Il m'avait embrassée sur la joue sur cette même balançoire deux ans plus tard et m'avait demandée en mariage. Il m'avait offert une bague pop et tout.
Nous l'avons officialisé et depuis, nous sommes inséparables.
Ou du moins, c'était le cas jusqu'à ce que son frère jumeau soit tué par un chauffard ivre il y a deux mois et que son monde s'effondre. Ces dernières semaines, je sentais que nous nous éloignions l'un de l'autre et, au fond de moi, je savais que cette nuit approchait. Je m'accrochais à lui plus longtemps quand je l'avais, et de moins en moins, car son cœur brisé l'empêchait de m'aimer comme avant. Il me tenait à distance, comme s'il craignait que sa propre douleur et sa rage ne déteignent sur moi.
Mon cœur se serrait à chaque porte de chambre que je croisais, incapable de tourner une seule poignée jusqu'à ce que, devant la dernière porte du couloir, je sente une larme couler sur ma joue. Je l'essuyai rapidement et regardai autour de moi pour m'assurer que personne ne me voyait pleurer.
Je ne voulais pas que quiconque soit témoin de ma destruction.
J'entendis quelque chose à l'intérieur de la pièce et me figeai, retenant mon souffle pour mieux entendre. J'appuyai mon oreille contre la porte, mais je n'entendis rien. Alors je me forçai à tourner doucement la poignée et à pousser la porte.
« Je parie que je suis bien meilleure qu’elle. »
Je reconnaîtrais cette voix n'importe où, avant même que mes yeux ne s'habituent à la faible luminosité de la chambre principale de ce manoir ; je savais qui c'était. C'était Sarah, ma meilleure amie.
Cela ne pouvait pas arriver.
« Tais-toi. » répondit Maverick. Je pouvais dire, sans même voir son visage, qu'il serrait les dents pendant qu'il parlait.
« Avoue-le, je me sens mieux sur ta bite que sur Cora. Sinon, pourquoi reviendrais-tu me baiser comme ça, brutalement et avec appétit ? » Une rage bouillonnante m'envahit en entrant dans la pièce et en voyant le dos de Mav. Il tenait Sarah dans ses bras, coincée entre lui et le mur, son pantalon baissé sur ses cuisses, tandis qu'il la pénétrait. Ses jambes étaient enroulées autour de ses hanches et ses ongles rouge sang griffaient son dos nu et musclé pendant qu'il la baisait.
« J'ai dit tais-toi, sinon je vais trouver quelqu'un d'autre à baiser. » Il a juré. Une partie de mon cœur s'est brisée dans ma poitrine comme jamais auparavant. J'avais l'impression qu'une partie de moi-même se brisait, même si je restais immobile et savais que j'étais toujours intacte.
Sarah ouvrit les yeux et son regard ivre et trouble se fixa sur moi par-dessus son épaule. Un sourire sinistre étira ses lèvres tandis que mon petit ami, avec qui je partageais plus de dix ans, la plaquait contre le mur. « Viens tout en moi, ma belle. Tu sais comme j'aime ça. » Elle ronronna à son oreille, et il grogna. Je le regardai faire avec horreur. Ses hanches se contractèrent violemment pendant quelques secondes avant qu'il ne s'immobilise et n'appuie son front contre le mur pour reprendre son souffle.
Il recula et laissa Sarah s'écrouler sur ses pieds, avec une froideur et une indifférence qui ne lui étaient pas familières. Lorsqu'il remonta son short et le boutonna, il vit qu'elle fixait toujours son visage avec ce sourire malicieux et il se tourna pour regarder par-dessus son épaule vers la porte.
À la seconde où ses yeux bleus se sont posés sur les miens, j'ai su que je ne serais plus jamais la même.
Voir la personne que vous aimez plus que votre propre vie détruire votre cœur si inconsidérément a eu un effet néfaste sur votre âme. La douleur n'était plus physique, car elle était plus profonde.
« Cora », murmura-t-il en faisant un pas vers moi, mais je secouai la tête tandis que d'autres larmes coulaient sur mes cils.
« Ne fais pas ça », lui ai-je répondu.
La douleur sur son visage ressemblait à celle qu'il m'avait adressée lorsque nous avions entendu son père nous annoncer la mort de son frère Luke dans cet accident. Cette nuit-là, il avait été anéanti, et je reconnaissais sa douleur maintenant, car je la ressentais au plus profond de mon cœur.
« Eh bien, il était temps qu'elle le découvre », dit Sarah avec un ricanement que je ne lui avais jamais vu viser que ses ennemis.
« Ferme ta gueule », ordonna Mav en s'avançant à nouveau vers moi.
Je me suis retournée et j'ai lentement quitté la pièce pour me diriger vers l'escalier, tandis que mon monde s'écroulait autour de moi. Je n'ai pas couru, car je savais qu'il me poursuivrait et que ça ferait une scène, ce qui était bien la dernière chose dont sa famille avait besoin en ce moment. Je l'ai senti me suivre tandis que je quittais la fête, silencieux mais tout près de moi, comme il le faisait toujours lorsqu'il me protégeait des perdants ivres lors de soirées endiablées comme celle-ci.
Mais je n’avais jamais pensé avoir besoin de sa protection auparavant.
On nous a interpellés dès que nous sommes sortis, mais nous avons ignoré tout le monde. J'ai sorti mes clés de ma poche et j'ai descendu le trottoir en direction de ma voiture.
« S’il te plaît, attends », dit-il en posant sa main sur mon bras.
J'ai arraché mon bras de sa main et de la brûlure que sa peau m'avait laissée en m'arrêtant de marcher. « S'il te plaît, ne me touche pas », ai-je supplié, au bord de la panique.
« Je suis tellement désolé, Cora. » Ses yeux tristes essayaient de me faire le regarder, mais je n'y arrivais pas. Je ne voulais pas me souvenir de lui comme ça.
« Je peux y aller maintenant ? » demandai-je en portant mes doigts à mes lèvres pour ne pas crier de douleur.
« Laisse-moi t'expliquer. Laisse-moi arranger les choses, ma belle. Je suis vraiment désolée. Elle ne voulait rien dire ; c'était juste une erreur. »
« Je ne veux plus rien savoir, Mav », dis-je en secouant la tête et en reculant encore. « S'il te plaît, laisse-moi partir. »
« Laisse-moi te ramener chez toi. J'ai besoin d'être avec toi tout de suite. S'il te plaît. » supplia-t-il d'une voix étranglée qui finit par attirer mon regard vers le sien.
J'ai secoué la tête. « Tu aurais pu être avec moi plus tôt, Maverick ! Mais tu as menti en disant que tu voulais être seul. Ce n'était que le mensonge d'un tricheur égoïste pour obtenir ce qu'il voulait vraiment, c'est-à-dire pas moi. Je ne veux rien savoir de plus. Je ne veux plus entendre un mot de ce que tu as fait ni avec qui. Ce que je sais déjà est trop, je ne survivrai plus. »
Ses yeux étaient hagards tandis qu'il essayait désespérément de me raisonner. C'était la première fois depuis des mois que je voyais une véritable émotion dans ses yeux, et ça m'a détruite. « D'accord. Alors je ne parlerai pas, mais laisse-moi être près de toi ! Laisse-moi te raccompagner, tu es trop bouleversée pour conduire. Je resterai avec toi ; je dormirai par terre et demain, on pourra peut-être parler, et je pourrai m'excuser. Je peux arranger ça si tu me laisses faire. Je ne regarderai jamais personne d'autre, je ne sais même pas pourquoi j'ai fait ça. Je n'ai toujours vu que toi, je suis désolé de t'avoir trompée, Cora, tu sais à quel point je suis défoncé ! Je suis juste défoncé ! »
« J'en ai fini, Mav. » murmurai-je en reculant d'un pas. La douleur me déchirait la poitrine et je posai la paume à plat sur mon sternum pour tenter de la calmer. J'étais à deux doigts de tout perdre, mais je n'y arrivais pas.
Je ne pouvais laisser personne me voir me briser. La Saint-Valentin ne se brisait pas en public.
« Non ! » aboya-t-il en s'avançant vers moi et en me serrant contre lui. « Non, ne dis pas ça ! Je suis complètement défoncé, je suis dans la tourmente et je suis désolé. Tu mérites tellement mieux que ça, je le sais. Je ne savais juste pas comment gérer ça, et j'ai merdé ! S'il te plaît, aide-moi, Cora. J'ai besoin de ton aide. »
« Je ne peux pas », murmurai-je en secouant la tête. « Je me suis donnée à toi pendant dix ans et ces deux derniers mois, je t'ai vue te détruire, et maintenant tu nous as détruits. Et je ne peux pas rester plus longtemps, sinon tu me détruiras aussi. Je dois partir tant que je le peux encore. »
« S'il te plaît, bébé », supplia-t-il en se penchant et en posant son front sur le mien.
Je l'ai repoussé, sentant son odeur sur sa peau, tandis qu'un sanglot me quittait la poitrine. « Je t'aime, Maverick. Mais je dois trouver un moyen de m'aimer davantage. »
« Je t'aime plus que moi-même, Cora ! Je le comprends maintenant, s'il te plaît, donne-moi une chance. J'ai fait ça pour te protéger de moi ! De cette douleur ! Dix ans doivent signifier quelque chose pour toi, ils doivent te prouver que je mérite une seconde chance. »
« Me protéger ? » hurlai-je. « Je ne veux plus jamais ressentir ça, Maverick. » Des larmes coulaient sur mon visage tandis que je secouais la tête d'avant en arrière, serrant mes clés comme une bouée de sauvetage. « Et si je reste, tu me le feras encore. Je sais que ce n'était pas la première fois que tu le faisais et je suis sûre qu'elle n'est pas la seule avec qui tu l'as fait. Je ne peux pas rivaliser avec eux, car on n'est plus sur un pied d'égalité. Je n'ai été qu'avec toi. Tu étais censé être mon unique partenaire. »
« Je suis ton unique. S'il te plaît, ne fais pas ça. » Sa voix n'était qu'un murmure tandis que des larmes coulaient de ses cils.
Mais j'ai reculé d'un pas, puis d'un autre. « Plus maintenant. Avant, je me sentais en sécurité dans tes bras, je ne pouvais m'endormir paisiblement que lorsque tu me tenais dans mes bras et j'avais mal pour toi quand nous étions séparés, mais ce n'était plus pareil pour toi. Tu n'as jamais eu besoin de moi comme j'avais besoin de toi ! Tu n'as jamais survécu simplement parce que j'ai survécu, comme je le fais avec toi chaque jour. » Ma voix était si détachée qu'elle ne me ressemblait pas du tout tandis que je me sectionnais une partie du corps en plein milieu de la rue et m'éloignais. « Rentre chez toi en un seul morceau. Ta mère ne survivra pas à l'enterrement d'un autre fils. » Je me suis retournée et me suis éloignée de lui en direction de ma voiture. Je suis montée à bord et j'ai verrouillé la portière, me forçant à m'engager dans la rue, loin de lui, là où il se tenait sur le trottoir, immobile, s'effondrant.
En m'éloignant, j'ai regardé dans mon rétroviseur et je l'ai vu rapetisser à mesure que je quittais sa vie. Ses épaules étaient affaissées et sa forte personnalité était brisée intérieurement.
Tout comme mon âme.
Je n’allais plus jamais être la même.
Et il le ferait aussi.
🖋
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